Early on, there was a large discussion about the reponse to Overture 3, to get Synod to ensure that delegates can recieve communion from a male elder if they so wish. The recommended response was to not accede to this, but rather advise the convening church of Synod to be considerate when they organize Synodical worship.
The best speech on this came from Rev. Ronald Chu. He discussed how we lose our Christian freedom both when we are insensitive and when we are “too sensitive”. When we are “too sensitive”, everyone has to watch what they say even beyond the usual impetus to speak in a disciplined manner, and everyone’s speech is ‘tied up’. He compared this overture to Korean churches sending an overture to receive communion from a Korean person.
The proposed Abuse Victims Task Force report was sent back to commitee.
The committee in charge of the PCN relationship recommendations came with a report to get the IRC to develop a special process that would “develop and maintain” a long-term relationship with the PCN while keeping in mind some restrictions.
Thus the debate was brought up again. One delegate offered the metaphor that the difference between dialogue and fellowship is like “having coffee and being in bed”. Ken Rip compared the relationship we want rather to a SERVE trip. The committee’s recommendation passes.
The Sergeant-at-arms gave a short speech, wishing to remind Synod the difference between “omnipotence” and “impotence”, especially when relating to authority, is large. Thus, everyone ought to return quickly from coffee.
The overture concerning guidelines for retiring pastors was brought up. Initially, the advisory commitee advocated acceding to it. However, concerns from the floor, such as whether or not Synod is overstepping its authority by giving such “decrees” to the churches, caused the committee to reconsider. It came back later that day with the opposite reccomendation, which passed.
The names chosen for the Form of Subscription study commitee were presented and passed. Everyone seemed very happy with the people chosen. It was noted that the kind of commitment these people were making, service up to 2011, had to be decided in about 45 minutes Thursday night.
As Synod finished a day early, the ED wanted to sort out how many meals were needed, as many people would go home sooner than otherwise. They used the electronic voting system for this. However, someone wanted their no-lunch vote recorded.
Some person (I think from Classis Kalamazoo) was given the rock from the podium. Apparently he collects them; Rev. Boot noted the great privilege of having been given a rock that he had touched.
Tags: CRC, synod, Synod 2008
